“O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him” (Psalm 34:8, KJV, Tyndale 1987). Many people are familiar with this verse, and I would like to say that common sense should apply here, knowing that we are not going to eat God! Even if you consider such a ridiculous notion, simply using the word “taste” infers a tiny portion or bite and not consuming an entire deity!
I enjoy the Pulpit Commentary’s explanation, “put the matter to the test of experience.” There will be times of testing and trials as a Christian. These times are how we grow and mature in our walk. However, we should never mature to the point that we think we have made it. Indeed, the more we are tested or put God to the test, the more we rely on Him and trust His provision. Experiences with God built faith and trust. A negative outlook may stem from a lack of experience with the Provider.
The Definition of taste is “to become acquainted with by experience” and “to have perception, experience, or enjoyment: partake” (Merriam-Webster dictionary, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/taste). So not only should we taste in experience, but our perception should change a little bite at a time, and we should enjoy it! James said, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience” (James 1:2-3).
A certain level of maturity comes with experience, but don’t forget the joy! We are called to mature. 1 Peter 2 calls us to “desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (verse 2). It is interesting how Paul chastises the church at Corinth for trying to eat “meat” before they were ready (1 Corinthians 3:2). How could Paul insinuate that these Christians were not Spiritually mature? He observed their action (or fruit), “For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal and walk as men” (verse 3). We must overcome these attributes if we are to grow in Christ!
Psalm 34 encourages us to try God for ourselves. When we try to know the Creator, we gain a testimony of His goodness. Romans 2:4 states, “the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.” It’s not always salvation that the weary soul is searching for; sometimes, the need is physical or financial. Whatever the circumstance that brings someone into the house of God, it’s God meeting those needs or a friendly, caring saint that can testify to that goodness! The lost may not come seeking to be saved, but they may repent at an altar in the overwhelming presence of a loving God!
However you decide to taste or experience God, the point is to do it! Matthew 25 says, “And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (verses 25-30). Should we go through life with fear, we risk the possibility of becoming unprofitable. The unprofitable servants’ reward is outer darkness, and no one wants that. Have a little taste; I believe you will be back for more!